Korean firm Donggwang Clark Corporation (DCC) and Kapampangan Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) inked an agreement on Monday to provide funding assistance to the members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK).

In a ceremony, DCC chairman Lee Shin Kun and KDFI president Benny Ricafort gave PHP1 million for the Filipino veterans during the Korean war.

The funding is provided by DCC as its way of gratitude for the heroism and bravery demonstrated by the Filipino soldiers during the Korean war.

DCC partnered with KDFI, a private foundation that is apolitical, in the delivery of medical and educational assistance to the veterans and descendants.

KDFI has been selected as a partner because it has already existing programs on cataract operations, prosthetic equipment, harelip medical procedures, and training programs on livelihood.

“This project, by DCC chairman Lee, which is helping the PEFTOK is terrific,” Ricafort said.

He said the PEFTOK during their survey numbers around 60 to 70 who can be found mostly in Capas, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

Ricafort said they initially target to support persons with disabilities who are members of the PEFTOK.

PEFTOK is the first contingent of a large number sent by the Philippine government to the United Nations forces that fought in the Korean War in 1950.

PEFTOK’s 10th Battalion Combat Team president Maj. Maximo Young (retired) said there are 68 PEFTOK members who were still alive as of 2018. (PNA)